Despite the many food riches to be found on our island nation, only five per cent of people identified as pescatarians in 2023, says Statista.
While veganism is on the rise and most people still eat meat of some description, the amount of fish that those who can eat still falls below the recommended two portions (one oily) a week, according to the Food Standard's Agency.
Shifting shopping habits are partly to blame. We've gone from ordering fish at a dedicated fishmonger or fish van to picking up plastic-wrapped fillets in strip-lighted supermarkets. Culinary confidence is another: many people don't know how to prepare fish, let alone how to cook it or what to eat it with. And then there's knowing what varieties are out there beyond the basics of cod, salmon and haddock.
It's time to go back to basics, only with a 21st-century twist: by shopping for upscale, excellent-quality fish through an online fishmonger.
This new wave of fishmongers not only browse the offering but also get tips and cooking advice straight from the people who know best.
Typically fish is flash frozen as soon as it's landed and rapidly delivered so you're eating the best that money can buy, whenever you’re ready to tuck in. Some merchants offer subscription services for those who want to commit to fishy meals, while others have cook-at-home kits that will give you confidence as you find your culinary sea legs.
If you're up for including more healthy fish in your diet, we've rounded up the very best online fishmongers to catch.
Ready to dive in? From Glasgow to Plymouth, shop the best online fishmongers in the UK below.
The Fish Society
Star buy: Sashimi Grade Japanese King Scallops from Hokkaido, a showstopping dinner party starter.
Founded as a side hustle by a former journalist, this specialist fishmonger freezes fish at its absolute freshest to ensure what arrives at your door is the nicest, tastiest cuts possible. There is a world of fish to discover at The Fish Society from cuts of cod, halibut and red mullet to shellfish and smoked and cured options, bound to pull in the crowds at your next home brunch.
You'll also find a fishopedia, defrosting tips and recipe ideas on the site to inspire your next fishy dish.
Buy now, The Fish Society
The Wright Brothers
Star buy: the fresh sardines are packed with flavour and grill up a treat on skewers.
In 1903, the Wright Brothers were the first humans to achieve powered flight, forever sealing their legacy as the kickstarters of the aviation era. These Wright Brothers are not the same as those; the only thing flying here are orders of their fresh, high-quality seafood.
The online fishmonger has only been around since 2002, but has grown to be one of the UK’s biggest seafood suppliers, stocking some of the biggest names in London’s culinary scene. Shop fruits de mer galore here from £1 oysters and cured salmon to lobster and crab.
Buy now, The Wright Brothers
Bradley's
Star buy: The dozen New Zealand oyster and lobster tail bundle guarantees a romantic night in.
There are more than 200 products stocked at online fishmonger Bradley's, caught from UK waters and further afield. Whether you're in the mood for cod loin, salmon fillets, or whole octopus, the third-generation family business can deliver. Bradley's has been in the game since 1946, going from selling fish in its stores to dispatching them online.
The offering includes popular fish, pre-prepared dishes (think tempura prawns and fish cakes), sashimi and bundles, plus lots more.
The minimum for orders is £30 for a £7.59 fee, while orders over £75 are free so stocking up your freezer for a few months at a time offers the best value.
Buy now, Bradley's
Regal Fish
Star buy: For a taste of the Med, don't miss the Sea Bass Fillets topped with individual portions of pesto butter.
With a customer base spanning England and North Wales, Regal Fish has been in the fish hawking game since 1989. The seafood range is extensive, to say the least, with hand-selected premium fisheries chosen against a sustainability and ethics checklist.
There is smoked fish and shellfish to choose from, alongside the main fish range which includes popular varieties: think haddock, sea bass, halibut, mackerel and more. Delivery is free on orders over £55.
Buy now, Regal Fish
The Fish People
Star buy: take all the credit for a restaurant standard dish with the Tandoori Sea Bass Cook at Home Kit for 2.
As in people who sell fish, not actual fish people, which is how one might describe a mermaid. With a glossy website and images that will make your mouth water, this Glaswegian business is a go-to destination for pescatarians to pick up hand-prepped, high-quality fish.
The company sells portions individually, but choose the subscription service for bundles of fresh fish every week (from £24 for two diners) so you're never left high and dry. Having friends over? The Deluxe Selection (£65) can be ordered on a one-off basis.
Standard delivery fee is £4.95 from Tuesday-Friday, between 8am and 8pm with delivery made to most UK mainland addresses.
Buy now, The Fish People
The Tinned Fish Market
Star buy: got a thing for really good anchovies? Olasagasti’s tin of Cantabrian anchovies has our vote.
There's a lot of love for tinned fish these days, spearheaded, in part by The Tinned Fish Company. Run by Patrick Martinez, the firm has managed to glamorise something that was once a cheap staple by sourcing gourmet cans from Portugal, France and Spain where the day's catch is tinned on arrival for ultimate freshness.
The star is oily fish, of such high quality that they can be eaten straight from the tin: think sardines, anchovies and mackerel. If you're after something a bit more special, there's octopus in paprika sauce, stewed scallops in salsa and mussels with garlic and chilli to agonise over. Hampers, while pricey, are the quickest way to fill your cupboards with a selection of standout tins.
Order by noon for next-day delivery.
Buy now, The Tinned Fish Market
Sole of Discretion
Star buy: If you're shopping on a Friday, don't miss the excellent John Dory.
Prizing ethical and low-impact practices alongside quality, Sole of Discretion is a collective of small-scale fishers working from Plymouth Harbour. Fish and shellfish are high-grade with different options depending on the day of the week. They take every measure possible to safeguard the precious and vulnerable ocean ecosystems in a way that limits damage to the marine environment.
As for the selection, choose from prime Devon-caught fish, frozen flat fish (think plaice and lemon sole), oily fish, smoked fish, canned fish - the list goes on. You can also pick up sauces and garnishes like Mermaid Confetti (sea salt and seaweed), seasoning mix, fish stock and seaweed sweet chilli sauce.
Buy now, Sole of Discretion
Rick Stein
Star buy: The Cornish Shores Fish Box highlights the best of the region.
Think of a fish chef and odds are you'll picture Rick Stein cooking with the ingredients in the blazing sun with a heap of exotic spices by his side. But Stein is a champion of British fish too, offering an online fishmonger that sources quality catch from Cornish suppliers and fishermen to feed the nation.
Head online to swim in the options from plump fillets, whole fish, smoked fish, shellfish and fresh fish boxes. There are great recipe ideas here too, perfect if you're in a bit of a dinner rut.
Plus for every order over £50 the company will donate money to Dive Project Cornwall, an ocean-conservation charity.
Buy now, Rick Stein
